Geography and history

City of Ephesos was he largest city and the most important port in the western Asia Minor, with a rich and fertile hinterland. The city was erected in ancient times (2000 BC), by the Greeks, and suffered during the war with Persians. The city belonged to the Athenian League during the Peloponesian wars between Athens and Sparta. It was liberated from the Persian occupation by the Alexander the Great and since then played an important role in Greek and Byzantine history.

Intellectual life

The city was an important centre of education and philosophy, and many Greek intelectuals lived there. One of the largest libraries of the ancient times was situated here.

Christian time

The tomb of Saint John the Theologian, located in the city Cathedral attracted many piligrims.